Running in '08 or '10

[AUYellowDog]

I'm seriously considering running for office here in Alabama. I don't see why, if I ran in a liberal area, I couldn't do it. I would be running, most likely, in a Birmingham suburb. I grew up there, so I know the area and the people. The downside is that I'm 21, and by 2010 I'll be 27. I know that age will be a mitigating factor, and I've always wanted to get the hell out of Alabama, but lately I've changed my mind and I want to step up and help Alabama get out of it's current ass-backwards state. Ideas? I'm planning on working on the '06 elections and making connections. Suggestions are more than welcome.

Thanks,
Brandon

[quaoar]

1. And just what liberal area

do you see in the Birmingham suburbs? LOL

If I were you, I would start off by running for city council. You get your feet wet, it's cheap to do, it's non-partisan so you won't have people reflexively voting against you because you're a Democrat and whether you are opposed to the war, etc. never comes up because people just want to know if you are going to fill the potholes, fix the schools and not allow that Super Wal-Mart to go up next to their property -- and most importantly, that you will not raise their taxes.

[AUYellowDog]

3. That's the problem

I'm from the Hoover area. Heavily conservative. Running for state government won't matter when it comes to war or any other national policies. If I was going to go for city council, I would run here in Auburn. I want to work for Baxley, but I don't see her camp hiring me, but I think I'm going to try for a volunteer position. We'll see.

Brandon

[LizW]

4. It would be great to have a progressive run here in Hoover

But even city council races are not cheap. I think it would take about $25,000 to run a competitive race. Unfortunately, city council and mayor here are non-partisan in name only. Republican PACS, and the Homebuilders' PAC funnel money into these races to "buy" council seats.

But the races here will be wide open. The current mayor and city council have pissed off citizens big time by stealthily cutting school funding. Good public schools are the #1 reason most people moved here, and parents are EXTREMELY angry that this was done in a sneaky special meeting with no public discussion.

Good luck, whatever you decide. Keep us posted!

[jody]

2. Go for it an good luck.

:hi:

[BamaLefty]

5. I Was Thinking About That As Well.

But you are in a much better situation than I. I'm currently 17 years old and by 2006 I will only be a Freshman in college and a first time voter. I understand that I don't have the qualifications to hold a paying position but I'd still love to help Mrs. Baxley on a volunteer basis.

Also, don't forget that Alabama is more than likely going to be having a Presidential Primary in 2008. If that falls through, we would one of the first primaries in the nation and it would be held the Saturday after New Hampshire I believe. To me, that would be an awesome experience-- to get behind a Dem candidate right here in Alabama.

As for your candidacy, have you thought about running for Congress in the 7th District. As you know, Rep Artur Davis currently holds that seat and he would be untouchable in both the Democratic primary and the general election. But the good news is that I could see Davis winning a seat in the US Senate whenever Shelby or Sessions retire, leaving an open Congressional seat. The 7th district does cover the middle portion of Jefferson County, and would be a relatively easy seat to win once you got past your Democratic opponent.

Whatever you choose to do, please keep us updated and we wish you the best of luck.

[quaoar]

6. Hoover is in the 6th District

The 7th district was drawn to include black neighborhoods in Birmingham as well as the Black belt counties.

[BamaLefty]

7. Correct.

And I believe I read where the 6th District was the 2nd "reddest" district in the USA? So I wouldn't give much thought to running against Bachus. Sadly...

[quaoar]

8. Actually

I have given some thought to running against Bachus.